Winter winds Harriet and Scott celebrated their love with an intimate ceremony in Marylebone and a cosy, festive reception in Wimbledon Images courtesy of Charlotte Florence Photography These two first became close in sixth form but went their separate ways for university. After graduating and returning home, they kept crossing paths. “It really felt like the universe was trying to make us talk again,” Harriet says. Soon after dating, they became inseparable ever since. Scott proposed in December 2022 on a snowy walk through Richmond Park with their dog, Maple Bacon. “He knows how much I love Christmas and my mum was home from America, so it meant so much to celebrate with her,” Harriet says. After he proposed by the lake, they rushed home to share the news, and Harriet’s mum suggested lunch. “We arrived at the restaurant to all our friends and family were there as Scott planned a surprise party,” she says. “I absolutely sobbed. It was the biggest, most thoughtful surprise of my life!” SETTING THE SCENE For their ceremony, Harriet and Scott chose The Old Marylebone Town Hall. “We thought it was such a beautiful and iconic venue for a London wedding,” Harriet says. “It was Friday the 13th of December and we were the only couple married at the Hall that day! I think other couples were superstitious, but I love all things spooky, and it felt like a fun little nod to the scary films I’ve introduced to Scott.” The bride arrived in a white taxi and the pair arranged for a London bus to bring all the guests. After the intimate ceremony with only immediate loved ones, the couple celebrated with a three-course meal in the private dining room at The Royal Oak in Marylebone. The main reception took place the following day at the Dog & Fox in Wimbledon. “We wanted somewhere fun that kept the London theme going but felt relaxed,” the bride explains. “We loved how flexible and friendly the team were, they really helped bring our vision to life. We wanted a family-style meal instead of a traditional dinner, and they totally got it. Plus, no one does Christmas like a London pub with fireplaces and fairylights.” The couple chose a forest green and gold palette, leaning into the Christmas season without going over the top. Harriet explains, “It definitely felt like a Christmas wedding thanks to the trees and festive touches.” Wreaths were hung on the walls, the menu cards were styled like mini wreaths, and everything was lit with either gold or white candles and fairylights. “Each table had its own enormous turkey carved in front of them,” Harriet comments. “It was amazing with so many sides and so much gravy – it was just perfect.” Dessert was served canapé-style in the bar along with espresso martinis. “We had brownies, mini cheesecakes and meringues being passed around. Instead of a traditional cake, the couple opted for wheels of cheese served with crackers, plus evening food of burgers and chips. “We wanted it to feel like a proper party, not too formal,” Harriet continues. LOOKING THE PART The bride wore the Justin Alexander Lumina dress. “It really surprised me,” she says. “I always thought I’d go for something plain, but the beading and shimmer just felt so wintery and perfect. My mum and bridesmaids all agreed – it was the one.” Scott wore a black Moss tuxedo with a black velvet jacket. He paired it with a black bow tie for the ceremony and a deep green one to match the bridesmaids for the reception. The groomsmen also wore rented black tuxedos from Moss. The bridesmaids wore emerald dresses from Azazie with square necklines. “My sister, the maid-of-honour, wore a shortsleeved version, and the others wore matching long sleeves,” Harriet shares. MEMORABLE MOMENTS Guests were kept entertained with plenty of food and drink, as well as the help of a brilliant toastmaster. “He ensured everyone was in the right place at the right time, but in such a fun way,” Harriet says. “People kept telling us afterwards how great he was.” There was also a photobooth and a live band, The SkyKnights, who kept the dancefloor full all night. During the reception, a standout moment for the couple was watching guests’ reactions to the enormous 8lb turkeys arriving at each table. “That and dancing the night away with all our favourite people – it was just the best night,” the bride adds. REAL WEDDINGS 25
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